CLDL 623 Clinical Process and Technique III
Fall 2009
R. Dennis Shelby, PhD
RdshelbyICSW@aol.com
This course focuses on the changing conceptualizations of transference and counter-transference and the related concepts of alliance and repression. It builds on the topics explored in Clinical Process and Technique I and II. The readings will be discussed in depth from historical and theoretical perspectives. Written assignments that involve the application of these ideas to a clinical endeavor will be an integral aspect of the course evaluation
GOALS
1) Deepen the understanding of the concepts of transference and counter-transference.
2) Appreciation for how these concepts have changed over time and vary within theoretical frameworks.
3) Greater ability to recognize, conceptualize and work with transference and counter-transference phenomena in clinical work.
EVALUATION
Grades will be based 50% on class participation and 50% on written assignments.
Written assignments:
Two 8 page papers are an integral part of the learning and evaluative process.
Assignment I is due during the fourth class session. Discuss a case that you feel unsure of, stuck, confused or in any other way unhappy. Give just enough history to help me grasp the dynamics of the case. Offer some initial ideas about the transference-countertransference configuration (s). Focus the discussion on what is happening or not happening that leaves you feeling unhappy. If one of the papers has helped you with the case, discuss what has been helpful.
Assignment II is due during the last class session.
Revisit the same case again, and discuss any changes that have occurred since the first paper. By this time, you should be better able to elaborate the transference-countertransference configuration and any counter-transference interference that has limited the deepening of the process. Discuss what paper, class discussion etc. was most helpful to you in deepening your understanding of the case.
Class I Broad Strokes, Basic Definitions
Racker, H. (1968) Psychoanalytic technique. Transference and Countertransference, CT: International Universities Press.
Class II Early Conceptualizations
Freud, S. (1912) The dynamics of transference. (1913); On beginning the treatment,
(1914); Remembering, repeating and working through. (1915); Observations on transference love. Standard Edition 12: 85-157.
Class III Lets add “objects” to the equation
Strachey, J., (1934) The nature of the therapeutic action of psychoanalysis,
International Journal of Psychoanalysis. 15:127-159.
Class IV Countertransference comes out of the closet
Heimann, P (1956) Problem of Counter transference
Heimann, P (1956) Dynamics of transference interpretations. International Journal of psychoanalysis, 37:303-310.
Class V Further Elaboration from Argentina
First paper due
Racker, H. (1953) A contribution to the problem of counter-transference, The international journal of of psychoanalysis, 313-324.
Racker, H. (1954) Notes on the theory of transference, Psychoanalytic quarterly, 23-78.
Racker, H. (1968) Uses of countertransference (pp. 133-142), Transference and counter- transference, CT: International Universities Press.
Class VI Thoughts from England and Chicago
Winnicott, D.W (1949) Hate in the counter-transference, International journal of psychoanalysis, 30:69-74.
Winnicott, D.W. (1956) On transference, International journal of psychoanalysis. 37:386-388.
Wolfe, E. (1979) Transferences and countertransferences in the analysis of disorders of the self. Contemporary Psychoanalysis, 15:577-594.
Class VII Contemporary Views
Lowewald, H. (1960) On the therapuetic action of psyscho-analysis, International journal of psycho-analysis, 41:16-33.
Class VIII Alliance and Repression
Second paper due
Friedman, L. (1969) The therapeutic alliance, International journal of psycho-analysis. 50:139-153.
Franks, A. (1969) The unrememberable and the unforgetatable-passive primal repression, Psychoanalytic Study of the Child, 24:48-77.